7 Inspirational Escapes for 2019 (part 1)

Happy New Year to everyone from all of us here at Golf Escapes, we hope that this year is filled with great rounds of golf, beautiful hotels and brilliant weather. Of course, as you may know, there are few places better to find inspiration for your next golf break than right here on the Golf Escapes blog page and this week you will not be disappointed. Here are our top seven golf escapes that should serve as inspiration for your next golf holiday…

Firstly, we have the four-star Iberostar Founty Beach Hotel which boasts an idyllic location on the shore of Agadir beach in Morocco where its guests can enjoy almost 10km of unspoilt coastline. The property was renovated just last year and now boasts plenty of leisure facilities including a large outdoor pool, a fitness centre, a spa and tennis courts as well as beautiful accommodation. Each of the guestrooms is air-conditioned and boasts a seating area, minibar, TV and a private ensuite bathroom. In addition, all of the rooms boast a private balcony or terrace from which guests can enjoy stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean.

Whilst you are here, you are within easy access of some of the best golf clubs in the area including Golf du Soleil which boasts two courses, Golf Les Dunes and Golf de L’Ocean. Golf de L’Ocean officially opened in December 2009 and within a year had already built up a brilliant reputation for being a fantastic course with three uniquely characterised sets of nine holes for players to enjoy. Golf du Soleil is another 36-hole complex which has been separated into two combinations of 18-holes to create the Tikida and Championship golf courses. One of the best things about these courses is that golfers of all skills are accommodated for, so everyone is sure to enjoy a round or two here.

With several excellent golf courses within the local area, wonderful amenities, a stunning beach and three different modern restaurants serving local and international cuisine onsite of the hotel, it is no surprise that we recommend the Iberostar Founty Beach Hotel for your next golf escape.

Up next, we have the five-star Praia d’el Rey Marriott Golf and Beach Resort which is situated in the region of Obidos besides one of the most breath-taking beaches in Europe. The hotel boasts beautifully appointed guestrooms which boast stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean and the 18-hole championship golf course as well as all of the other amenities that you would expect from a hotel of this standard including TVs and air-conditioning. The Praia d’el Rey course is considered to be one of Europe’s finest and is a classic links course which is spread over dunes and cliffs. This course is a real challenge off the back tees and is a must-play for any discerning golfer due to its stunning views and setting. Along with playing the superb Praia d’el Rey course, you can also enjoy rounds at West Cliffs Golf Links, Royal Obidos and Bom Sucesso.

Besides fantastic golf, the hotel offers a range of other leisure activities including the Kalyan Spa which boasts eight treatment and massage rooms as well as a range of facilities. There is also a health club with a well-equipped gym, a hot tub and an indoor and outdoor pool.

The hotel is located midway between Peniche and Obidos and within both cities, you can find an abundance of activities, great bars and restaurants to enjoy. Of course, being so close to a city means that you can easily eat out during your stay here but if you choose to dine within the hotel, you won’t be disappointed with the two restaurants that are onsite. The restaurants offer pool or ocean views and their dishes are created using locally sourced ingredients. This is a very special hotel boasting a fantastic location, whether you are travelling with a group, your family or in a couple, this is a perfect place for your next golf break.

The five-star Westin Resort, Costa Navarino is another one of our suggestions for your 2019 golf holiday and it isn’t hard to see why. The resort boasts an idyllic beachfront location in Messenia and is a picture-perfect resort as the design was inspired by old Messinian mansions, so the villa clusters use natural stone and local design elements to make this beautiful resort.

Each of the guestrooms runs in line with the design of the resort as they are all decorated with contemporary furniture, light wood and muted tones. Each of the rooms boasts its own private balcony overlooking the olive groves and landscaped gardens which surround the hotel.

Whilst you are here, you can experience the resort’s seemingly unlimited options for food and drink with over ten restaurants and bars serving delicious cuisine ranging from traditional Greek food to internationally themed eateries. There are three bars and lounges where you can enjoy some of the hotel’s signature cocktails and other beverages.

The resort boasts an abundance of leisure facilities with a health and fitness centre, an indoor pool, squash courts, tennis courts and water sports on the beach. Of course, for you, the main attraction is the wonderful golf that you have the chance to enjoy whilst staying here. The resort boasts two very special golf courses – The Dunes Course and The Bay Course. The Dunes Course was the first 18-hole signature-designed golf course in Greece and is highly regarded as one of the finest courses in Europe. The course meanders through olive trees and citrus groves and offers stunning sea and river views as well as spacious undulating greens, large fairways and strategically placed bunkers to provide all golfers with a fun but challenging round of golf. The Bay Course is a slightly shorter course than the Dunes and boasts holes of varying lengths and features as well as spectacular landscapes with holes running alongside the bay of Navarino making this a truly impressive course for you to play.

With two stunning golf courses, extensive facilities and a beautiful location, look no further than the Westin Resort, Costa Navarino for your next golf escape.

Next, we have the fantastic five-star Westin Puntacana Resort and Club which is an extensive golfing resort situated just steps from the beautiful sands of Punta Cana. This resort boasts stunning gardens, an abundance of recreational activities and beautiful guestrooms. Within the resort, you can find a swimming pool, a well-equipped gym, tennis courts and a large spa area which is the perfect place to relax after you have taken on one of the nearby golf courses. La Cana Golf Course and Corales Golf Course are within short distance of the resort and both offer superb rounds of golf. La Cana Golf club is a 27-hole championship course which has been described as being one of the best courses in the Caribbean and it isn’t hard to see why. The layout features 27 holes which have been split into three unique 9’s, the Tortuga, Hacienda and Arrecife. There are 14 ocean-side holes which boast amazing sea views making this course a must-play whilst you are here. The Corales Golf Course is a well-known course which has been designed along the natural cliffs, bays and coves which make the West Coast so popular. The course features six ocean-side holes but also meanders inland through lakes and coralina quarries. This is a long, scenic and challenging course for you to enjoy.

The Westin Puntacana Resort and Club is an idyllic resort with stunning golf courses nearby, wonderful facilities and beautiful guestrooms making it a perfect recommendation from us to you for 2019.

Next on the list of our recommendations for your 2019 golf break is the five-star Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa which boasts a great location set in the heart of Abu Dhabi and just 15 minutes’ drive from the National Exhibition Centre. There are many local attractions including Ferrari World, the Marina Circuit Yas Mall and Yas Waterworld as well as the Corniche which are all within 25 minutes’ drive of the hotel. The resort boasts the Abu Dhabi Golf Club – National onsite which is the home to the PGA Tour Abu Dhabi Golf Championships.

The Abu Dhabi Golf Club provides 27 championship holes which stretch out over 162 hectares of stunning landscapes. The course is considered to be a tropical haven with rolling terrain, palm trees, saltwater lakes and lush fairways creating a very special golfing experience indeed. You can also enjoy a round at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club whilst you are here.

Each of the 172 open-plan guestrooms boasts a private balcony, flat-screen TV, Nespresso coffee machine and a large ensuite bathroom equipped with complimentary toiletries. Not only will you stay within comfort, but you will be able to sample some delicious cuisine from the five different restaurants onsite of the resort which range from a buffet restaurant to fine dining, tapas-style cuisine and authentic Italian cuisine. With extensive leisure facilities, beautifully-appointed guestrooms and brilliant golf courses both onsite of the hotel and within close proximity – what more could you be looking for from your next golf holiday?

The five-star Fairmont Zimbali Resort is another of our brilliant recommendations and it isn’t hard to see why this resort made the list due to its world-class service and stunning location within the exclusive Zimbali Coastal Resort eco-estate. The hotel boasts 154 rooms and suites which combine cosmopolitan flair with contemporary amenities, each of the rooms boasts all of the facilities and amenities that you could need in order to have a relaxing stay including Wi-Fi, a TV and complimentary toiletries. Onsite of the hotel, you can enjoy a luxurious spa and three outdoor swimming pools with serviced loungers.

You will never be short of somewhere great to eat or drink during your stay here as the resort boasts a range of dining opportunities including casual poolside dining, Indian Fusion cuisine, international flavours as well as a lobby bar and tea lounge. The hotel boasts wonderful facilities but also a brilliant location as whilst you are here, you can easily explore Durban, Umhlanga and the bustling holiday town of Ballito which is just five minutes’ drive from the resort. The main attraction, the brilliant golf, is also not far away from the resort. You can easily enjoy rounds at Durban Country Club and Zimbali Coastal Resort during your stay at Fairmont Zimbali Resort Hotel. Durban Country Club is a brilliant parkland course and boasts nine very tricky opening holes as well as undulating fairways and stunning views of the landscapes surrounding the club. Zimbali Coastal Resort boasts two brilliant golf courses. The Coastal Forest course is a challenge to golfers of all handicaps, even off the White club tees and the Zimbali Lakes course is a beautiful but challenging course as well.

Last, but certainly not least, is the five-star Crete Golf Club Hotel which is situated at the Crete Golf Club. The hotel boasts a seasonal outdoor infinity pool which overlooks the golf course, mountains and sea as well as a fitness centre and beautiful gardens. The hotel’s restaurant overlooks the golf course and serves up delicious European and Cretan cuisine.

There are 25 modern suites within the hotel, and they are all fully-fitted with state-of-the-art facilities including a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi and private marble bathrooms. The suites also boast a large private balcony with partial views of the golf course, mountains and sea. For guests who are not keen golfers, you will not be disappointed with the Aquaworld Aquarium and the Labyrinth Park which are situated just over a mile from the hotel. Just 15 minutes’ drive away is the popular resort of Malia where you can find an abundance of bars, restaurants and nightlife.

Crete Golf Club is a spectacular 18-hole golf course which is set to become the next big golf course in Europe, and it isn’t hard to see why. The landscape surrounding the course is breathtakingly beautiful, you can enjoy 365-day long warm climate here as well as luxurious facilities. The course itself boasts a technical challenge with tricky short holes as well as lengthy power-play holes, the course meanders through rocks and ravines featuring magnificent views of the coast and mountains.

The Crete Golf Club Hotel is a special hotel with extensive facilities, a superb location and a magnificent golf course. For your next golf escape, look no further than this hotel.

We hope that you have enjoyed this week’s blog and that you will consider one of these fantastic resorts and their courses for your next golf escape…